Easter Brunch 2011

On this high holy day of pigging out, luxe (and not so luxe) hotel restaurants have long dominated the Easter Brunch game, with extravagantly overindulgent buffets and the scalability to accommodate pastel-dressed families (and sticky fingered children). But many restaurants do a swell job as well, offering up prix fixe and a la carte meals catering to the steam-table averse.

Whatever your persuasion, budget or taste, there’s an invitation to the table on April 24…

Most Extravagantabulous Easter Brunch: Sante at Sonoma Mission Inn
Money may not be able to buy happiness, but it can buy you access to a brunch whose sheer magnitude and luxury will at least put a smile of contentment on your face for a few days. The Michelin-starred resort restaurant gilds every lily with an all-you-can-eat spread that includes jumbo shrimp cocktail, Loch Duart salmon, organic chicken roulades, charcuterie, artisan cheeses and five salads to start. Chefs carving stations wield five kinds of smoked fish with caviar; roast prime rib, and Marin Sun Farms’ leg of lamb. From 10am to 2pm, toques make omelets to order, and from 2-6pm, the station switches to classic crepes to order. Entrees include braised short ribs, classic Benedicts, salmon, mushroom ravioli with black truffle in addition to grilled vegetable platters, a bread station and more than 20 desserts (croissant bread pudding, peanut butter crisp with salted caramel mousse, panna cotta, chocolate strawberries, macaroons, fruit “martinis”). A hefty $89 pp, $44.50 for children keeps it classy, but even high rollers may need to loosen their belts a few notches to accommodate the bounty of good eats. Live entertainment, Monsieur Easter Bunny, clown and egg hunts at 11am and 2pm. Reservations required. 100 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma, 939-2415.

Best Brunch to Eat in Your Pajamas: Pearson and Co.
Who needs to cook when there’s all that egg-finding and candy-eating to do. Pearson & Co. offers up their a la carte menu with everything from soup and deviled eggs to quiche, Brandy Orange Lamb Shank, spiral cut ham and leek and saffron risotto. Orders must be placed by Thursday April 21. Full menu at pearsonandco.com, 2759 Fourth St., Santa Rosa, 541-3868.

Best Student-Chef Brunch: CIA Greystone
For the first year, the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena will feature an a la carte Easter brunch prepared by chefs training to work in the country’s top restaurants. Egg frittata, Spring Lamb Tartare with quail eggs ($14), roast ham with Gruyere gratin and asparagus ($24), strawberry crepes with lemon creme ($8). Children’s menu available. 2555 Main Street, St. Helena, 967-1010.

Brunch in the Country That’s Close to the City: Zazu
Zazu Restaurant and Farm is just a few miles from downtown Santa Rosa, but this country roadhouse feels a world away, surrounded by farms and vineyards. Hop on in for their $37 pp prix fixe that includes maple bacon donuts; raspberry breakfast buns, chocolate croissants; their Cochon 555-winning “Bacon in the Batter” waffles; fried green tomato BLT Benedict; oxtail and yukon potato skillet with a fried duck egg; Hangtown fry; grilled asparagus with lemon aioli and strawberries with creme fraiche. 3535 Guerneville Road, Santa Rosa, 523-4814.

Wildest Easter Brunch: Safari West
Hunt for Mr. Hare in the wilds of Safari West after brunch in the Savannah Cafe. The six-foot bunny is on the trail of his old rival, Mr. Tortoise and will leave Carrot Clues along the way. 10am and 1pm, April 12. 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, (707) 579-2551. $65 adults, $30 for children.

Best Help The Community Easter Breakfast: The Kenwood Depot located in the heart of Kenwood in the renowned Sonoma Valley, is a historic landmark. The preservation of the Depot is supported by the Kenwood Community Club. Their major fundraiser is our annual Easter breakfast. This year it is on Saturday April 23. We are excited to introduce Harvey’s Mini Donuts as an added bonus to our homemade, cooked with love breakfast. More details

6 Comments

Korinn

April 24, 2011

I took my mother to the Villa for Easter Brunch Buffet and could not fault one thing. The service was perfect, the champagne kept flowing and the food was dee-licious! they had, in my opinion, just the right amount of choices…not too overwhelming, but something for everyone and only $23.95! Before I left, I made my reservation for Mothers Day.
Hope everyone had a great brunch, wherever the chose to go…

Jackie Smith

April 14, 2011

Also, Viola Pastry Boutique and Cafe in Montgomery Village does a great Easter brunch as well as Mother’s Day. Their brunch menu is fabulous, with many different options and a few special dishes for Easter, including a funnel cake with strawberries and whipped cream.